ALBANY - The city police officer who twice within a year faced charges of leaving a crash scene could resign ahead of a union process that would evaluate the department's request for termination, the officer's attorney said Wednesday.

Attorney Michael McDermott, representing Officer Shawn Dixon, said while nothing has been finalized, Dixon's resignation amid being served internal charge papers seeking his termination is a possibility.

"As an officer of the law, Shawn Dixon is aware of how this matter reflects on law enforcement and is determined to handle this case with honor and integrity, having only the best interests of the department and the city of Albany in mind," McDermott said.

Dixon, 31, was suspended in December after he reportedly drove drunk while off duty, hit a utility pole and ended up in a ravine in Lincoln Park.

He was on unpaid leave for the first 30 days, per the police union's contract, which has since passed. Dixon currently is suspended with pay, acting police Chief Bob Sears said.

Sears said an internal investigation found enough evidence to move for Dixon's dismissal.

“We conducted our investigation and although it’s still continuing, we’re at the point that we are able to serve him with internal charge papers asking for termination,” Sears said.

Per the police union's contract, officers facing termination have the right to an arbitration hearing.

Dixon was initially suspended without pay after the early morning incident Dec. 20. He had been back on the job less than two months after a May incident where he was accused of leaving the scene of a crash after slamming into another car near West Lawrence Street and Myrtle Avenue in Pine Hills.

Dixon was charged with misdemeanor leaving the scene of a personal injury accident in May and later pleaded guilty. He agreed to pay $50 in restitution to the other driver involved.

In the second crash, Dixon was charged with driving while intoxicated, criminal mischief and leaving the scene of a crash. He was ticketed for failing to stay in his lane. The case is still awaiting court dates.

"He is facing these responsibilities head on and in no way seeks to minimize his culpability," McDermott said. "A resolution in court and with the department is under way and will be finalized soon."